The Department of Environment is investigating claims Gold Coast City Council has unlawfully removed protected sand from dunes near Garfield Terrace at Surfers Paradise.
The complaint was made by a concerned resident who says the dunes are protecting property.
Council has stopped the works while the investigation is taking place.
The movement of sand was part of emergency works to clean up the beaches after severe erosion.
Our beaches/coastline are the GC’s greatest asset and need to be managed/cared for appropriately. This incident is appalling, this is an area of stable, natural dunes, heritage listed and in an area of ecological significance. Apparently after complaints to the Dept of Heritage the work stopped. only to be resumed the following day? Madness. Who in Council is responsible for this? Where were their Environmental Officers, where they following any Environmental guidelines, did they have a plan in place to do this work? Did they have the necessary permits from the Dept of Environment and Heritage Protection? The Broadwater Marine Project is at present in the hands of the GCCC and Qld State Govt there are so many important environmental issues involved in that, and the Council’s own survey revealed an overwhelmingly (93%) opposition to that Project. This incident does not instil a lot of confidence in their ability to manage sensitive environmental issues. Can they be trusted? Do they understand? Do they care? Please continue to cover and follow this and the BMP story for all GC residents.
Was there any further info regarding the green sea turtle that was found near the site that looked torn up by machinery?
This is a disgrace and the powers that be, who are responsible, should be named and shamed. In this instance a concerned and informed resident was aware of what the council officers were doing and immediately called the Heritage Department, thus preventing more damage to the dunes.
Please help to fight this kind of destruction, it appears these council officers are a law unto themselves.